Childhood burns in South Eastern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Burns injuries are recognized as a major health problem worldwide. In children and; particularly; in our environment where poverty; ignorance and disease are still high; they constitute significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies on this topic in parts of Nigeria either lumped adults and children together or were retrospective. We; therefore; prospectively studied the current trends in burns in children. Patients and Methods: This prospective study of burns spanned over a period of 18 months (June 2006-December 2007) at the Paediatric Surgery Units of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital; Orlu; and the Federal Medical Centre; Owerri; Imo State. Data were collected and analysed for age; sex; cause/type of burn; place of burn; presence or absence of adult/s; initial prehospital intervention; interval between injury and presentation; surface area and depth of burn and treatment and outcome. Results: Fifty-three patients were studied; 31 (58.4) were male and 22 (41.6) were female (MF = 1.41). Patients mostly affected were aged 2 years and below. The most common cause of burns was hot water in 31 (58.5) patients. The vast majority of these injuries happened in a domestic environment (92.5) and in the presence of competent adult/s (88.7). Outcome of treatment was good there were two (3.8) deaths and 46 (86) patients had complete recovery. Conclusion: Burns is still a major health problem among children in south eastern Nigeria. Fortunately; outcome of appropriate treatment is good. However; we think that poor safety consciousness among parents is a major predisposing factor. Public enlightenment on measures to ensure safe home environment may be necessary to avoid or limit childhood burns